Independence National Historical Park & Liberty Bell
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Independence Hall - by Miguel Ángel Sanz on Unsplash
Description
Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution (1765-1791) and the founding history of the USA. It is centred around Independence Hall where the United States Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and adopted respectively in 1776 and 1777-78. Other monuments include Carpenter's Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress meting, and the cracked Liberty Bell that was once used to signal public meetings, declarations and legislative sessions in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall).
Access & Transport
The historical park is in the heart of the old city, on the eastern edge of the city center. The '5th St Independence Hall' subway station (MFL) is in the center of Independence Mall with '8h Street' (BSL, MFL) and '8th & Market Street' (PATCO) a couple of blocks to the west. There are bus services along Market St, Chestnut St and S Independence Mall E.
Instructions & Recommendations
Entrance to Independence Hall is by tour only (9h to 16h40). Timed entry tickets are required for entry from March through December and must be reserved through recreation.gov We suggest combining a visit here with the National Constitution Center and the Society Hill neighbourhood.
Environmental & Social
Low carbon footprint (a little from the museums). Educational and part of the city's architectural and country's historical heritages.
Conclusion
Independence National Historical Park is undeniably a must see for a first-time traveller to the city. It isn't particularly impressive, but the perfect opportunity to learn more (or dust off your knowledge) about the events that took place around the time of the USA's declaration of independence toward the end of the 18th century.
Key positive
Site of important events in the country's history
Some photogenic buildings
Key negative
Independence Hall tour is short
Suitability
Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in October 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:1h
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningNo
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo